Measuring actual kerfs includes chain movement (side to side).
It is not theoretical or assumed.
Philbert
It is not theoretical or assumed.
Philbert
.063 .325
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Overkill338
M-Tronicly Obsessed
Oh for **** sake. I give up. I'm not adding information to a thread anymore. Turns into a ******* posting contest on who can describe it the best, or point out that 1/10000000 of an inch extra play that I forgot to add in.
KenJax Tree
Terraphobic
In the woods or job site does any of it really matter?
Sorry to push your buttons. Just asking for the simplest, most basic information. You pulled out your caliper and measured a bunch of other stuff.
Some can. The choice of .325 versus 3/8 pitch could be noticeable, depending on what's being cut.
I definitely notice a difference between .325 and .325NK chain.
The difference between.050 and .063 gauge (OP's original question) would not be noticed by most users. Some guys who run long bars claim that .063 chain oils better.
Some guys can't tell the difference between semi-chisel and full-chisel chain, or when a chain is dull.
Philbert
I wish all my bars were .063 gauge. So much easier to clean out the crud when you can use a thicker, stouter tool.
Overkill338
M-Tronicly Obsessed
I just wanted to throw some numbers in there to give an idea of how the chain change would effect power.
Not that i study saw chains, but when i have issues understanding things i usually don't walk away until i get it. Correct me if i'm wrong, does the feet per second chain speed make any difference? If you use a 8 pin rim for .325,3/8 and .404, in 2 revolutions they all move the chain the distance of 8 cutters regardless of sprocket diameter. So is it solely cutter size/ kerf and sprocket count that determine gearing? I've seen chain speed "fps" mentioned numerous times in other posts, but it appears the distance between cutters makes the chain speed difference a mute point. Or not? Obviously an 8 pin is moving more cutters than 7. But if they are all 7 pins, is the only difference between each chain size just kerf, and the ability of the saws engine to pull it?
FPS measures speed.
For 2 saws with the exact same chain, the faster chain speed will cut faster, provided that the saw has enough torque. Limbing is an application where fast saws excel. Larger diameter hardwoods, are where 'torqueier' saws excel.
At the same chain speed (FPS) a .404 chain will take fewer, but larger bites than a .325 chain. The size of the powerhead, type of cutting, type of wood all come into play.
But 8 drive links of .404 chain is a longer distance than 8 drive links of .325 chain, so you might need to adjust sprocket tooth counts to get equivalent linear chain speed (FPS).
Another factor is cutter sequence: a skip-tooth chain has only 2/3 of the cutters as a 'full composition' (standard) chain of the same pitch/type/etc. It takes fewer bites, but clears chips better (and may load the saw less) so it may be a better choice in some situations.
That's why there is no single 'right' answer.
Philbert
For 2 saws with the exact same chain, the faster chain speed will cut faster, provided that the saw has enough torque. Limbing is an application where fast saws excel. Larger diameter hardwoods, are where 'torqueier' saws excel.
At the same chain speed (FPS) a .404 chain will take fewer, but larger bites than a .325 chain. The size of the powerhead, type of cutting, type of wood all come into play.
But 8 drive links of .404 chain is a longer distance than 8 drive links of .325 chain, so you might need to adjust sprocket tooth counts to get equivalent linear chain speed (FPS).
Another factor is cutter sequence: a skip-tooth chain has only 2/3 of the cutters as a 'full composition' (standard) chain of the same pitch/type/etc. It takes fewer bites, but clears chips better (and may load the saw less) so it may be a better choice in some situations.
That's why there is no single 'right' answer.
Philbert
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Kind of like riding your 10 speed bike up the same hill, different strokes/opinions for different folks.
But the chain gauge really doesn't affect performance, really.
Seriously....
Come on.........
But the chain gauge really doesn't affect performance, really.
Seriously....
Come on.........
Huskybill
Addicted to ArboristSite
What about running the 3/8" 8 pin rim vs the .325" 8 pin rim? Isn't there a .325" 9 pin rim? I like the 16" bars on my smaller power heads like the husky 353.
Chain gauge doesn't affect the performance? What's the difference in weight between the three different gauges? .325", .058" and .063" factor in the weight then the extra mass and torque to spin it.
Chain gauge doesn't affect the performance? What's the difference in weight between the three different gauges? .325", .058" and .063" factor in the weight then the extra mass and torque to spin it.
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You could not tell any difference.
.050", .058" and .063"
I had a professor who would say, "It amounts to a mouse's fart in a windstorm."
I hate to tell @HarleyT that he is correct, cause his ego is big enough as it is, but the mass difference might be measurable in a laboratory controlled setting, however, the type of bar oil you use probably makes a bigger difference on powerhead drag. Long bar oiling may be different, but you were asking about mass and power.
On smaller pitch chain (1/4", 3/8 low pro) .063 gauge drive links would probably be noticable.
Keep the chain sharp and run it.
Philbert
Ryan'smilling
Addicted to ArboristSite
The only way to get any info that you'll find useful is to try some of these combos for yourself. Sprockets are cheap. Give Gregg at Left coast supplies a call. He sells GB sprockets for like $1.75. Cheap or free shipping (over $50) too. There's just so many variables. Limbing, bucking, clean wood, dirty, raker height, chain angles, softwood, hardwood, cutter type, user style and attitude, chainsaw model and attitude, boxers vs briefs vs depends, all of these factors and more can have an effect on what the optimal setup is.
Every once in a long while you might find yourself with an unbelievably satisfying combination in your hands. I couldn't believe how sweet my stock Dolmar 421 pulled a loop of stihl PS on a 16" bar through fresh green hybrid poplar. It was amazing. Logs were 5-15" in diameter. 6 pin spur sprocket . No vibrations, tons of torque, just ripping through the wood, held and edge for the whole load
Most of the time though, you just set stuff up to be pretty good in a wide array of uses. I like 7 pin in 325 and 3/8 (except on a ported 90cc saw). But I tried many combinations before I decided to stick with those sprockets.
Huskybill
Addicted to ArboristSite
I used the 3/8" 8 pin in my 266, the 404" 8 pin and the 325" 8" speed cutting at the fair with the governors plugged. I used the 3/8-8 & 404-8 in the woods Buckin firewood. Awesome combination for cutting if the power head is big enough.
